Living in the moment inspires Michelle Hoffman
Tuesday July 12, 2011 -- Kristian Partington
Living in the present — truly learning to accept the past as unalterable and the future completely unknown — is a philosophy that inspires Michelle Hoffman every day, thanks to her work at the Village of Taunton Mills.
Not everybody in this world is able to come away from a typical day at work having learned something valuable they can apply in their personal life in that way, and Hoffman is thankful for that blessing.
A former member of the clergy, Hoffman has been working in the village as a part-time social service co-ordinator for more than two years.
She may offer a listening ear or a voice of comfort at times, and in the village’s recent newsletter, she wrote of how she’s gained precious insight into the value of living in the present.
“I’ve been blessed to be welcomed into people’s journeys, and the journey that they’re on now isn’t so much about what went on in the past or what will happen in the future, but what is happening now,” says Hoffman.
“I’m realizing that I need to slow down and enjoy life for what it is rather than worrying about what’s going to happen.”
Village life at Taunton Mills tends to incorporate that philosophy in its approach to resident-centred care, says Hoffman.
She’s says it’s about “listening more to where (residents) are and what they’re expressing; what is important for them and how we can best ensure they have the best quality of life; I think helping them live ‘what is,’ rather than anxiety for what could be.”
She describes how some residents suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia which, in a sense, can trap them in the past.
She also describes a few residents who respond remarkably well to music. When they hear something they like, they dance with no hint of inhibition, allowing the moment to sweep them away.
“If I could be so free to just get up and do what it I want to do without thinking ‘Oh, I shouldn’t be doing this,’ I would say that that would be representative of living in the now,” says Hoffman.
If you have questions, comments, or a story to share, feel free to contact kristian(at)axiomnews.ca, or call 800-294-0051, ext. 24.
Tuesday July 12, 2011 -- Kristian Partington
Living in the present — truly learning to accept the past as unalterable and the future completely unknown — is a philosophy that inspires Michelle Hoffman every day, thanks to her work at the Village of Taunton Mills.
Not everybody in this world is able to come away from a typical day at work having learned something valuable they can apply in their personal life in that way, and Hoffman is thankful for that blessing.
A former member of the clergy, Hoffman has been working in the village as a part-time social service co-ordinator for more than two years.
She may offer a listening ear or a voice of comfort at times, and in the village’s recent newsletter, she wrote of how she’s gained precious insight into the value of living in the present.
“I’ve been blessed to be welcomed into people’s journeys, and the journey that they’re on now isn’t so much about what went on in the past or what will happen in the future, but what is happening now,” says Hoffman.
“I’m realizing that I need to slow down and enjoy life for what it is rather than worrying about what’s going to happen.”
Village life at Taunton Mills tends to incorporate that philosophy in its approach to resident-centred care, says Hoffman.
She’s says it’s about “listening more to where (residents) are and what they’re expressing; what is important for them and how we can best ensure they have the best quality of life; I think helping them live ‘what is,’ rather than anxiety for what could be.”
She describes how some residents suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia which, in a sense, can trap them in the past.
She also describes a few residents who respond remarkably well to music. When they hear something they like, they dance with no hint of inhibition, allowing the moment to sweep them away.
“If I could be so free to just get up and do what it I want to do without thinking ‘Oh, I shouldn’t be doing this,’ I would say that that would be representative of living in the now,” says Hoffman.
If you have questions, comments, or a story to share, feel free to contact kristian(at)axiomnews.ca, or call 800-294-0051, ext. 24.
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